Ai Weiwei takes us on a tour of his Beijing
- Text by HUCK HQ
- Photography by Royal Academy
“Beijing is not the old Beijing any more,” explains Ai Weiwei. “It’s a city that doesn’t really belong to its residents.”
But in a city not designed to consider ordinary people’s lives, dissident artist and human rights protestor Ai Weiwei – who spent four years under house arrest – reveals how he has found sanctuary in his home neighbourhood of Caochangdi.
In the first instalment of Guardian Cities/Tate special series The Artist and Their City, Ai explains how this forgotten suburb of the Chinese capital is home to his studio and where he has tried to foster spaces for creative freedom and artistic expression.
The film offers an insight into the space where Ai created many of the pieces that go on display at his forthcoming London show at The Royal Academy.
To find out more about Ai Weiwei, watch the incredible documentary Never Sorry or check out his show at the RA, from September 19.
You might like
Vintage photos of London street life at the turn of the millennium
London 1995-2005 — In her new photobook, Joan Piekny reflects on a decade shooting the styles and subcultures of the UK capital’s streets, just before technology .
Written by: Miss Rosen
An evening with the South London Warlords
The art of war — From Warhammer to Burrows and Badgers, the small Dulwich community has been fortifying defences and launching invasions since 1971. Ryan Loftus dives into the wonderful world of wargaming.
Written by: Ryan Loftus
Princess Julia: “I always state my age as I can’t believe I’m still around”
First lady — As the latest Artist-In-Residence of Huck 83, the London nightlife legend speaks to Josh Jones and provides a few recommendations and words of wisdom.
Written by: Josh Jones
Moshpits & kickflips at the Volcom Garden Experience 2026
Family affair — Last weekend, the skate, surf and snow culture brand hosted a free mini festival in its European backyard of Biarritz. We went along and chatted to legendary artist and surfer Ozzie Wright.
Written by: Isaac Muk
Horst Festival is a blueprint for a creative, collective future
Hymn — Highlighted by an engrossing performance directed by Fallon Mayanja, the 2026 edition was a showcase of ASIAT Park’s ever-evolving space as an incubator for art, music and creativity.
Written by: Isaac Muk
A portrait of the UK’s oldest boxing club
Learning the Ropes — A new documentary by Ryan Pickard chronicles the hard-edged history of Repton Boxing Club in Bethnal Green, while asking poignant questions about the present and future of the sport in the UK.
Written by: Sydney Lobe
